NFL Mentality at Iowa Football. Does it hurt us?

BringBackBradBanks

All-Conference
Jul 19, 2022
883
1,936
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For the most part Iowa runs a class program. But does it feel like sometimes Iowa needs to treat a game like a big rivalry game instead of this NFL mentality of not getting too high or low?!? It’s why Iowa State has beaten us a lot lately in games they shouldn’t. We just don’t get amped up it seems for a game like yesterday. Now you can’t go to the well too many times on that, but sometimes it feels like we need to get emotional about a game, like at halftime yesterday against Minnesota and grind out an emotional win. It just never happens.
 

Outbackbowl2017

All-Conference
Dec 4, 2016
1,846
3,018
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Like it was actually kind of fun to see Iowa State throw the kitchen sink at us earlier this season because the game meant so much to them. All the trick plays and different looks to win a game that means something. Just completely different than Iowa’s mentality.
I laugh at ISU having 9 months to prep vs Iowa every year then can’t prep week to week year in and year out for all the teams on their schedule. They put everything they have into that game.

My frustration is Iowa doesn’t go five wide vs a stacked box with two tight ends then throw to them with box out type plays. As Hayden said, scratch where it itches. Take what the defense gives you.
 

52317Hawk

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2025
1,402
1,579
113
For the most part Iowa runs a class program. But does it feel like sometimes Iowa needs to treat a game like a big rivalry game instead of this NFL mentality of not getting too high or low?!? It’s why Iowa State has beaten us a lot lately in games they shouldn’t. We just don’t get amped up it seems for a game like yesterday. Now you can’t go to the well too many times on that, but sometimes it feels like we need to get emotional about a game, like at halftime yesterday against Minnesota and grind out an emotional win. It just never happens.
If that's an NFL mentality are the Hawkeyes the Tennessee Titans? Iowa had 2 weeks to prepare and they played like ****.
 

eyesofhawk

All-Conference
Apr 17, 2011
3,844
3,602
113
For the most part Iowa runs a class program. But does it feel like sometimes Iowa needs to treat a game like a big rivalry game instead of this NFL mentality of not getting too high or low?!? It’s why Iowa State has beaten us a lot lately in games they shouldn’t. We just don’t get amped up it seems for a game like yesterday. Now you can’t go to the well too many times on that, but sometimes it feels like we need to get emotional about a game, like at halftime yesterday against Minnesota and grind out an emotional win. It just never happens.
Iowa has been absolutely dominant the last decade in 4 annual rivalry games.

If they've done that without getting amped enough, then more power to them
 
Feb 25, 2008
32,827
32,015
113
For the most part Iowa runs a class program. But does it feel like sometimes Iowa needs to treat a game like a big rivalry game instead of this NFL mentality of not getting too high or low?!? It’s why Iowa State has beaten us a lot lately in games they shouldn’t. We just don’t get amped up it seems for a game like yesterday. Now you can’t go to the well too many times on that, but sometimes it feels like we need to get emotional about a game, like at halftime yesterday against Minnesota and grind out an emotional win. It just never happens.
I think Iowa/Kirk tries (intentionally) to make every game like an NFL game.

Sometimes the execution is there and you get the Washington game. Sometimes you run into the real Super Bowl contenders (Ohio State) and you get smoked.

But more often than not, Kirk believes games are suppose to be played out like several NFL games we saw today:

Steelers 16
Saints 10

Vikings 16
Colts 10

Lions 20
Packers 17

All of these games either featured dogsh** offensive performances or head scratching coaching decisions and poor players execution that ultimately led to these uninspiring score results.

And that's the football that Kirk thinks is what it should look like each week against normal B10 competition and Iowa State...............


After 28 years, no thanks, I'm good.

 

Bierhalter2

Redshirt
Sep 10, 2026
10
26
3
I think Iowa/Kirk tries (intentionally) to make every game like an NFL game.

Sometimes the execution is there and you get the Washington game. Sometimes you run into the real Super Bowl contenders (Ohio State) and you get smoked.

But more often than not, Kirk believes games are suppose to be played out like several NFL games we saw today:

Steelers 16
Saints 10

Vikings 16
Colts 10

Lions 20
Packers 17

All of these games either featured dogsh** offensive performances or head scratching coaching decisions and poor players execution that ultimately led to these uninspiring score results.

And that's the football that Kirk thinks is what it should look like each week against normal B10 competition and Iowa State...............


After 28 years, no thanks, I'm good.

Great post. He's much more comfortable in a game when ahead or behind by about 6 points, and one where neither team has cracked 20 points yet.
 

Iron Doc

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2005
991
1,374
93
1. Retire the Capt.
2. Hire Barry Switzer as HC.
3. Resurrect and hire Mike Leach as OC.
4. Bring in Ed Orgeron for motivational purposes.
5. Make the Sheriff from Fansville an offer he can't refuse as an assistant to Phil.
 

Anon1750875978

Heisman
Dec 26, 2018
9,972
16,957
113
We are just so predictable and conservative.

For instance, I read the rulebook this morning and learned you don't have to run for 2 yards on every 2nd and 10.

My mind was blown.
Pretty much explains why ELITE skill position players don't even give Iowa a 2nd look.
The best thing anyone can say about KF is that he made great hires in the Parkers.
Oh, and the $$$ donations to the Children's Hospital.

He's pretty much sucked at everything else.
 
Last edited:
Feb 25, 2008
32,827
32,015
113
Pretty much explains why ELITE skill position players don't even give Iowa a 2nd look.
The best thing anyone can say about KF is that he made great hires in the Parkers.
Oh, and the $$$ donations to the Children's Hospital.

He's pretty much sucked at everything else.
Then drag them to Iowa City and force them to play for us, and if they choose to sit out then at least they're not playing for anyone else......😃
 

7and5baby

Sophomore
Sep 22, 2018
87
160
18
For the most part Iowa runs a class program. But does it feel like sometimes Iowa needs to treat a game like a big rivalry game instead of this NFL mentality of not getting too high or low?!? It’s why Iowa State has beaten us a lot lately in games they shouldn’t. We just don’t get amped up it seems for a game like yesterday. Now you can’t go to the well too many times on that, but sometimes it feels like we need to get emotional about a game, like at halftime yesterday against Minnesota and grind out an emotional win. It just never happens.
I have always thot, with KF's ties to NFL, he has always coached as if it's the NFL. Some examples...
-Punting on the plus side of the field (altho NFL has now adopted the 'metrics' approach and will go on 4th down a lot more).
-Scheming like it's NFL (playing lots of Fullbacks, tight ends, and frowning on 4 or 5 Wides).
-On defense playing the basic 4-3 defense even against teams running 5 wides.

However, in recent years he has adapted a lot more, but still a little behind the times imo.
 

Anon1750875978

Heisman
Dec 26, 2018
9,972
16,957
113
Then drag them to Iowa City and force them to play for us, and if they choose to sit out then at least they're not playing for anyone else......😃
How many great high schoolers want to waste eligibility in a system that wastes their talents???

It's a vicious circle because KF would need elite QB and WRs in the same class...or two.
That ain't happening.
 

Fight4Iowa

Senior
Nov 25, 2025
409
587
93
For the most part Iowa runs a class program. But does it feel like sometimes Iowa needs to treat a game like a big rivalry game instead of this NFL mentality of not getting too high or low?!? It’s why Iowa State has beaten us a lot lately in games they shouldn’t. We just don’t get amped up it seems for a game like yesterday. Now you can’t go to the well too many times on that, but sometimes it feels like we need to get emotional about a game, like at halftime yesterday against Minnesota and grind out an emotional win. It just never happens.
I like my 8-10 wins a year. I like watching almost any NFL game and being able to watch a player who played at Iowa.

I like owning the likes of Iowa State, Nebraska, and Minnesota for much of the past decade.

I like beating Michigan, Penn State, USC in bowl games, and winning bowl games against ranked opponents.

It's a hell of a lot better than what 85% of programs have done over the last 27 years.
 

Hawk48

All-Conference
Jun 10, 2005
1,219
1,869
113
I like my 8-10 wins a year. I like watching almost any NFL game and being able to watch a player who played at Iowa.

I like owning the likes of Iowa State, Nebraska, and Minnesota for much of the past decade.

I like beating Michigan, Penn State, USC in bowl games, and winning bowl games against ranked opponents.

It's a hell of a lot better than what 85% of programs have done over the last 27 years.
I no longer (15 years) watch NFL and really want Iowa to succeed not the NFL.
 

DuddyB

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2022
2,169
3,850
113
Not Necessarily specific rivalries, but I’ve long thought that Kirk‘s NFL mentality pays dividends over the long haul, but can be a detriment at times. Particularly early in the season it seems like it’s manifested itself against Iowa State.
 
Last edited:
Feb 25, 2008
32,827
32,015
113
Iowa is like the Vikings.

Good enough to always win 8-9 games, maybe occasionally make the playoffs (a decent bowl game). Disappoint their fanbase in meaningful games (major bowl games/CCGs/games against top ranked teams that are actually good when we're also actually good and not sneaking up on them............). And never get a chance at a franchise-changing draft pick (top recruits).

But hey we still love watching them do the same thing every year regardless who the coach is or the players are! 😃



 

The Big Z

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2023
2,199
4,222
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I have always thot, with KF's ties to NFL, he has always coached as if it's the NFL. Some examples...
-Punting on the plus side of the field (altho NFL has now adopted the 'metrics' approach and will go on 4th down a lot more).
-Scheming like it's NFL (playing lots of Fullbacks, tight ends, and frowning on 4 or 5 Wides).
-On defense playing the basic 4-3 defense even against teams running 5 wides.

However, in recent years he has adapted a lot more, but still a little behind the times imo.
This makes no sense.
 

HMB Trumpet

Senior
Mar 19, 2018
644
786
93
For the most part Iowa runs a class program. But does it feel like sometimes Iowa needs to treat a game like a big rivalry game instead of this NFL mentality of not getting too high or low?!? It’s why Iowa State has beaten us a lot lately in games they shouldn’t. We just don’t get amped up it seems for a game like yesterday. Now you can’t go to the well too many times on that, but sometimes it feels like we need to get emotional about a game, like at halftime yesterday against Minnesota and grind out an emotional win. It just never happens.
Hayden also liked the even-keeled approach. That's why he started the swarm, to keep the team from getting too hyped up entering the field.
 

Outbackbowl2017

All-Conference
Dec 4, 2016
1,846
3,018
113
I think Iowa/Kirk tries (intentionally) to make every game like an NFL game.

Sometimes the execution is there and you get the Washington game. Sometimes you run into the real Super Bowl contenders (Ohio State) and you get smoked.

But more often than not, Kirk believes games are suppose to be played out like several NFL games we saw today:

Steelers 16
Saints 10

Vikings 16
Colts 10

Lions 20
Packers 17

All of these games either featured dogsh** offensive performances or head scratching coaching decisions and poor players execution that ultimately led to these uninspiring score results.

And that's the football that Kirk thinks is what it should look like each week against normal B10 competition and Iowa State...............


After 28 years, no thanks, I'm good.

I’ve always said KF coaches like he is an NFL coach, coaching good enough to win just enough games to be a wildcard play off team to get into the playoffs. After 28 years, it will happen in year 29 or whatever it is in 2027. At this point, I don’t care anymore if Iowa makes the playoffs due to Nick Saban being right, in that realistically, only 4 teams are capable of winning the national championship each year. Add in 24 teams now, it’s become a participation trophy type event.
 
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